Promoting Ubuntu -I am Because We Are

About Us

Empowering Rural Learners through Education

Chipochashe is a Shona word that means 'Gift From God'. Based on the Ubuntu Philosophy of "I am because we are," our project is creating a model for transforming rural communities in Zimbabwe through education. We are achieving this by establishing a network of accessible, affordable, and high-quality micro-schools in underserved villages. These micro-schools not only provide education but also address critical needs such as nutrition, clean water, and economic empowerment through skills training for women and youth.

Our Story

Our journey began with the recognition of significant challenges faced by rural communities in Zimbabwe, including limited access to education, child stunting due to malnutrition, unsafe drinking water, and widespread unemployment. To address these issues, we launched our first micro-school in Zhanje Village 2020, followed by another in Ditima Village in 2021. The story of Chipochashe embodies the spirit of Ubuntu, having been supported by bridge-builder Monica Rocha Emelo, who connected us with the Reuben Fernandes Foundation, providing catalytic funding for the project. The project has continued to grow through the compassion of our supporters mainly Compassionate Las Vegas, Our schools have successfully provided quality education to over 350 children, improved child nutrition, and fostered a community development program serving 8 Villages. Our model has proven to be effective and replicable, with positive spillover effects in the communities we serve.

Our Vision

Our vision is to transform the lives of children in 400 villages by 2030. We will achieve this by providing holistic support through quality education, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, and youth empowerment programs, fostering a generation of healthy, educated, and empowered leaders.

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Our Founders

Moses Machipisa

Founder and Chief Opportunity Officer

Moses Machipisa is a passionate educator and co-founder of Chipochashe. He was a recipient of the Capernaum Scholarship. He is deeply involved in his community in Dema, Zimbabwe. He also serves as a trustee on the board for the Charter for Compassion.

His dedication to transforming the lives of rural children through education stems from his own experiences growing up as an orphan and witnessing the transformative power of scholarships.

Moses's passion for education and social change is evident in his work with Chipochahse and his involvement with the Charter for Compassion. Moses believes in the power of Ubuntu, the African philosophy that emphasizes our interconnectedness that we are branches of the same tree- one human family. His contribution to his community through the Chipochashe project was featured in the multiple award-winning documentary 'The Spirit of Ubuntu' At Chipochashe, Moses is responsible for engaging partners and identifying opportunities to drive growth.

Sharleen Bwakura Machipisa

Founder and Executive Director

Sharleen Machipisa (nee Bwakura) is a co-founder of Chipochahse and a skilled computer scientist. As a recipient of the prestigious Joshua Nkomo Scholarship for Academic Excellence, her commitment to education and empowerment is evident. Sharleen is passionate about empowering women and girls, demonstrated through her work with the Women Empowerment Initiative, where she helps women develop skills in various areas, including arts and crafts, sewing, and agriculture.

Sharleen's experience as a facilitator at TheirWorld, where she trained girls in coding, has been instrumental in shaping her approach to building learning at Chipochashe. As a social entrepreneur, she leads operations at the schools and serves as a role model for the girls, inspiring them to pursue their dreams.

Sharleen's dedication to Chipochashe is deeply rooted in her personal experiences, having lost her father at a young age and overcoming adversity through her determination for academic excellence.

Our Impact

Quality Education

Chipochashe is providing quality education to 350 children, empowering them with knowledge and skills for a brighter future. This initiative is crucial in addressing educational disparities and creating opportunities for underserved communities.

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Safe Water

Chipochashe is providing clean and safe drinking water to 220 households, impacting approximately 1,000 people in Zhanje and Ditima villages. This initiative is crucial in preventing waterborne diseases like typhoid and cholera, improving overall health and well-being in these communities.

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Nutrition

Chipochashe's school feeding program is providing meals to 140 children, mitigating the impact of stunting, which affects 25% of children in Zimbabwe. This initiative is crucial in ensuring children's health, well-being, and academic success.

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Scholarships

Chipochahse is providing full scholarships to 33 orphaned and vulnerable children, ensuring they have access to education and a brighter future. This initiative is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering these children to reach their full potential.

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Job Creation

Chipochashe has created 30 decent jobs, including teachers, ancillary staff, and many other construction workers. This initiative is crucial in stimulating local economies, reducing unemployment, and improving livelihoods in the community.

Women and Youth Empowerment

Chipochashe has trained 120 youth and women in leadership and entrepreneurship, empowering them with essential skills for personal and economic development. This initiative is part of the PATO BANTON SCHOOL OF UBUNTU fostering self-reliance, creating job opportunities, and driving community growth.

Our Partners